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When you examine your Beagle, you will notice that they have unusual legs and backs. Beagles are known to have two unique characteristics. They are known to develop weak legs and a crooked back and that makes them more prone to various illnesses; one of it is the intervertebral disk disease.

Beagles have vertebral column and intervertebral disks similar to that of other dogs, cats and even to humans. Vertebral column or the backbone is consist of a series of small bones called vertebrae. These small bones surround and protect the spinal cord, a collection of nerves wherein information is transmitted between the body and brain. When the spinal cord is damaged, a dog’s sensations and normal movement of the body will be greatly affected. Intervertebral disks separate the dog’s vertebrae. These disks are soft tissue structures that allow normal movement of the spine from head to tail.

To fully understand IVDD, let us discuss first the structure of intervertebral disks. There are two components making up the normal intervertebral disk. These are the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Annulus fibrosus is the outer casing or layer that contains nucleus pulposus, a jelly-like portion. Annulus fibrosus should keep the nucleus pulposus from bulging outwards. When the jelly-like layer bulges out into the vertebral canal and presses the spinal cord, intervertebral disk disease or IVDD occurs.

IVDD is a condition wherein the spinal cord is compressed. This compression causes mild pain in mild cases but severe case of intervertebral disk disease causes paralysis, loss of sensation and lack of bladder and bowel control. This disease is triggered by any normal activity such as jumping and running or minor trauma such as falling while playing and usually affects dogs between three to eight years of age. IVDD commonly appears in the lower portion of the spine or the thoracolumbar, but is also seen in the cervical region or the neck. IVDD in the thoracolumbar is characterized by pain and reluctance to walk, jump and/or play. The back may also be arched and weakness of hind legs can be present. Cervical disk disease is characterized by the pain in the neck. Muscles in the neck area may be tense and the nose is often seen pointing to the ground. The dog is usually less active and some will just lay and sleep most of the time

This disease can be treated either through medication or surgery. Minor cases with no neurological problems can be treated through medical therapy. Drugs such as anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant are usually administered. Surgery is recommended in severe condition and rapidly progressing symptoms. Doing normal activities is strictly restricted to prevent the disease from getting worst.

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